Posts Tagged ‘http://www.gigmasters.com/guitar/ChristopherKilday/’

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Sonoma Valley Inn 5/19/10

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

I was invited by Sonoma Valley Inn manager, Jeffrey Perry,  to welcome the many vendors – restaurant and cafe owners, artists, small businesses -  that help make Sonoma Valley such a genuine California experience. It was my honor to perform for such a celebration. I played a mixture of Jobim and Gilberto hits, along with many Ellington classics. I was fortunate to be outside, under a lush canopy of vegetation that kept the light sprinkle of rain away from the patrons that were enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. http://www.sonomavalleyinn.com/

Jeffrey was so kind to provide me with a room that in my humble opinion, was 5 star!!  This is NOT your typical Best Western! A romantic fireplace, complete with firelog, a view of the pool, and more than adequate facilities and free internet! Everything that I have enjoyed in expensive B & B’s in Mendocino, but at half the cost! I did not want to leave! The continental breakfast was delivered to my room, and they even replaced a coffee maker that was missing a filter. I highly recommend Sonoma Valley Inn for any travelers on their way to Sonoma and Napa wine country. The rooms are very affordable, given the luxury you will enjoy! Tell Jeffrey that Christopher sent you!

http://www.christopherkilday.com

http://www.gigmasters.com/guitar/ChristopherKilday/

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Birthday celebration for Sonia Orbuch 5-23-10

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

As day passes into night, we go,with song.

I was contacted by Paul, to come and play for his mother, Sonia Orbuch 85th birthday. Paul wanted me to perform some Classical music, and wanted to know if I could sing Autumn Leaves, his mother’s favorite song, originally written by Joseph Kosma. Paul had told me that his daughter, Eva, played cajon and wanted to know if there was anything we could play together. I welcomed the idea and I had suggested some Bossa Nova pieces and a Flamenco standard, Entre Dos Aguas that she could play on. Paul mentioned that there was another daughter that played clarinet, and I thought it would be great if she could perform for her grandmother as well.

I darted to SF from a performance in the afternoon in  Monterrey. The party took place at the elegant Vietnamese restaurant, Ana Mandara. Sonia is the author of  ” Here There… Are No Sarahs” available at Amazon  1571431306 . She escaped her hometown in Poland, fled the Nazis, and lived in the forests fighting with the Soviet Partisans, as an 18 year old untrained and orphaned girl. A Holocaust survivor, Sonia has traveled through out the US giving lectures, and founded the Jewish Partisans Educational Foundation, which has inspired and told the story of the Partisans to thousands.

It was an honor to perform for such a heroic woman. The brightest moment was when her grand daughters and I performed for her. Paul and Sonia presented me an autographed copy of her book. I read it in two days. As I read her story I couldn’t believe the strength she possessed. As I reflected upon her life,  the night became a moment I will not soon forget.

http://www.gigmasters.com/guitar/ChristopherKilday/

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Della Barnett, Memorial Service, Monarch Cove Inn, Capitola, CA, 5-23-10

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Della had contacted me for a a Memorial service for her brother, an avid surfer and lover of the Pacific Ocean.

She requested that I sing, “Tears in Heaven” and any other music that would honor a surfer and free spirit.

I performed many Bob Marley, Beach Boys and even Jason Mraz tunes in honor of her brother.

It was a heartfelt ceremony that was punctuated by perfect weather, surging waves on the Monterrey Bay, and an appearance of a Right Whale when I began playing. It was magical. We were breathless as people rushed to watch the whale frolicking in the Bay, some 400 yards off our balcony.  It breached and slapped the water with its enormous fins and seemed fitting as a farewell to a lover of the ocean. The picturesque setting at the quaint Monarch Cove Inn, a historic Inn dating back to 1833 is located along the eucalyptus-lined pathway through the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary that leads to New Brighton State Park Beach, in Capitola, CA. Lonna Lewis is the gracious hostess that will be delighted to show you around this ideal cottage retreat. http://www.monarch-cove-inn.com/

“Hi Christopher, I just wanted to let you know how much Lexie and I appreciated your performance at my brother’s memorial service on Sunday.  It was a difficult day and your music wove everything together into a beautiful tribute.  So many people commented on how moving your performance was.  We are so grateful you were able to understand exactly what was needed.  Thank you again, Della Barnett”

ChristopherKilday

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La Mar Cevecheria HOWARD RICE NEMEROVSKI CANADY FALK & RABKIN 5-1-10

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Colleen had called me to help her with a celebration for her firm, HOWARD RICE NEMEROVSKI CANADY FALK & RABKIN. They had selected La Mar Cebecheria, http://www.lamarcebicheria.com/web/index.php  for the location of their party, so of course I had to throw some Latin inspired grooves into my mix for that performance.

A special thanks to Colleen for inviting me to perform for the celebration.

ChristopherKilday

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Becca Lin and Po-Wei Lee Wedding in the Heavenly Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, CA, 5-15-10

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Becca chose the charming setting of Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, CA to act as a backdrop for her wedding.

I have yet to visit Japan, but the moment I gazed upon Hakone, I felt I had been transported to Japan. The buildings had been built and shipped to the US in 1915, and were the outstanding craftsmanship of master Japanese architects. It was fitting that the entire garden was in full bloom this gorgeous sunny day.

Becca had a wide taste in music from Classical to Contemporary. We had chosen carefully the pieces that would best suit her and her fiancee, Po Wei. I performed Bach, Beatles, even Lucky, by Jason Mraz!

It was such a breathtakingly serene ceremony that I did not want to leave afterwards!

I encourage anyone reading this to visit Hakone themselves, you will fall in love, too!

http://hakone.com/cgi-bin/imglib.pl?ct=Gardens%20and%20Grounds

ChristopherKilday

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Janis Chakler and Scott Apicella Wedding at Culinary Institute of America, Napa, CA 5/14/10

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Janis had finally found the right man. After years of waiting, she was overjoyed to find Scott Apicella. It seemed only appropriate that her Entrance song would be ” At Last” by Etta James. Janis asked me to sing this special song and I was completely enamored with it from the moment I heard it. As Janis entered the great hall of the Culinary Institute in Napa, CA I sang out this Blues standard. The acoustics were superb!  The entire building was built like a castle, with enormous ceilings, stone floors and 2,000 gallon wine caskets lining the historic Barrel room where the Reception took place.

I was treated to a scrumptious meal of a perfectly cooked Halibut steak, encrusted with Miso paste, served on a bed of seared rice. Thanks to the Culinary Institute and its staff! Your food was sincerely beyond what I expected.   For more information, please visit, http://www.ciachef.edu/california/events/packages.asp and say hello to Eileen Wagstaffe the Events Manager.

Janis Chakler says, ” Christopher..I’ve been meaning to email you. Thank you so much for making our wedding so amazing. Everyone really enjoyed your music.  They loved you. Your singing “At Last” made me cry. All of the music was amazing. I will definitely recommend you to everyone I know. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

xx Janis”

ChristopherKilday

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Majken and Steve, from Nebraska with Love , Timber Cover Inn 4-30-10

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Majken had contacted me through the internet, early in February, to talk about her wedding with Steve, at the Timber Cove Inn, in Jenner, CA.   http://www.timbercoveinn.com/inn.php

Both Nebraska natives, they had traveled to Mendocino together, and Steve had proposed to Majken proposed on the shoreline by Sea Ranch. They decided they would get married there one year later. However, Sea Ranch was closed for construction; Timber Cove Inn was an excellent choice. It would be a beautiful day no matter where they would exchange vows.

Majken had asked me if I could perform Yiruma’s River Flows in You for her Entrance. I had never heard the piece, but after one listen, I was as captivated as she was by the soaring melody. Of course I would learn it!

In her own words, “I thought I might include a link to a song I fell in love with and had imagined would be part of our wedding in some way. However, the more we thought about it, the more we didn’t want an Ipod providing all the music for the day. We want it to be more intimate. The link might plant a seed as to what we’re hoping for, and if possible, I would still like to incorporate this song in some way…. But that might just be me wanting everything!”

I strive to give you my best, so that you can have everything the way you imagine it to be on your wedding day.

The ceremony was highlighted by a pair of cliff swallows that came to rest on the wooden railing surrounding the deck overlooking Timber Cove. They serenaded us as the Pastor gave eloquent blessings to the Bride and Groom. It was a most auspicious moment.

On the journey back to San Francisco, I found a little jewel of a Bistro, called Jenner Bistro. I cannot recommend it highly enough! After breaking down my equipment, I found myself needing nourishment – unfortunately, in the countryside, it is quite difficult to find a meal after 8:30 pm. I stopped into Jenner Bistro, at 10 pm, and was sure that we would be denied service, but the gracious and talented Helena Giesea, Head Chef, greeted us and prepared a wonderful meal of Tomales Bay Oysters on the half shell, and a Clam Chowder that blew Yaremy’s taste buds away! Next time you are in Jenner, pay Helena a visit, and tell her I said, ” Hello!”   http://chefhelena.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-to-jenner-bistro.html

ChristopherKilday

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Kathy and Tony 4-17-10

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Kathy and Tony had invited me to perform their wedding reception at the Kingfish Restaurant in San Mateo, CA, a place renown for its authentic Cajun cuisine and decor. http://www.kingfish.net/kingfish.html

We had talked about Jazz and Latin Music for their reception and I had prepared some Caetano Veloso and Duke Ellington pieces for their listening pleasure.

A few weeks before the wedding, Tony had secretly emailed me and asked me to sing a special song for their first dance. Tony’s family had emigrated from Cuba and he had asked me if I could play a Bolero for his first dance. He was worried that the secret would leak out and went through great means to keep anyone from knowing about the song. Having spent many summers in Havana, I knew the perfect Bolero -
Dos Gardenias, written by Isolina Carrilo and immortalized in the soundtrack of the Buena Vista Club by fellow Cuban singer, Ibraham Ferrer.

Photo credits to Pei Pei Ketron. You can see more of her outstanding work  at http://www.penelopesloom.com

The newlyweds swayed to the Bolero as family and friends watched with great joy in their eyes.

Watch an excerpt of that dance below by clicking on this link.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=123565047662451

kathy-tony

“Christopher – Finally got some software to edit a clip from our wedding with you playing Dos Gardenias. Check it out on my wall. You sound terrific and the memory of our first dance together will forever include your great serenade. thank you for making the wedding so special. Tony and Kathy, celebrating our 4 week anniversary today!”

- Tony Gallo

ChristopherKilday

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Happy 80th Birthday Party !! The Christensen Family 4-09-10

Friday, April 16th, 2010

I was contacted by Jon to perform for an intimate semi formal birthday celebration for his father at Ruby Hill Golf Club. http://www.rubyhill.com/

Diane Long, Banquet Manager, and her staff gave me excellent directions to the luxurious club nestled in the Pleasanton Valley. Hats off to the Chef that prepared a most excellent Filet Mignon with Tarragon Glaze.

Jon had asked me to perform a variety of music, from Jazz to Latin with the emphasis on playing with care to the conversations and general mood of the audience. There were to be many toasts and well wishes from the family and friends of his father.

I began by welcoming the family on the patio overlooking the greens with Classical Guitar music by Paganini and Bach, but quickly switched gear when the birthday boy arrived and the crowd’s energy picked up. We watched the sunset over the valley and headed inside to the private dining room where the crowd dined, toasted their father and bestowed on him gifts from the past and present. The highlight of the night came when the brother and sister gave their unsuspecting brother his stamp collection from the 1930′s back to him – minus the stamp they cut out of the collection. The crowd roared with laughter as the perplexed birthday boy gazed at the cut out and asked where the stamp had disappeared to.

They had sold it and taken a trip to Europe with the funds!!

“Thank you for doing such a nice job for us on Friday. I suspect that we weren’t your most musically challenging crowd, but I’ve heard plaudits from several guests about your tasteful presentation. Thanks again!

“We hired Christopher Kilday to provide background environment for a formal adult birthday dinner, and he did an excellent job. He demonstrated a good instinct for material choice, volume level, stopping and starting depending on conversation, toasts, etc. He also handled setup, teardown, and logistics with complete transparency to us and the guests. Quite professionally done. Thanks!” – Jon Christensen

ChristopherKilday

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The Power of Online Marketing – Full Circle Fundraiser with Facebook Co-Founder, Chris Hughes

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Chris Young, Co-Founder of Facebook and myself, chatting after his inpsirational speech

Online networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized how people interact. These innovative tools have not only the power to break down silos, but are mobilizing individuals in ways never before imagined. Perhaps most exciting for the social sector is how online networks have emerged as powerful platforms to leverage for positive change. But what can we expect for the future of online networking? How will it impact those working for change?

At our first major event of 2010, Full Circle Fund welcomes Chris Hughes, Co-Founder of Facebook, and the former Director of Online Organizing for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Chris helped radically change political campaigning through the utilization of online networks. He’ll discuss this, Facebook, and how he plans to make an impact in the future.

Members, corporate and grant partners, potential partners, and those interested in membership, register today! We expect over 150 attendees and will be incorporating some exciting member-driven changes at this event. For potential members and corporate partners, the event will be a chance to find out more about Full Circle Fund, see what our Circles are up to, mingle with our current members, and learn more about how to get involved.

This event was hosted at the lavish corporate headquarters of Hewlett Packard, in Palo Alto, CA. I performed in an open air courtyard on a sensationally warm, sunny day. The jazz music was heard throughout the reception area and created an atmosphere that complemented the buzz of the crowd. The philanthropists and vendors were equally excited to meet this innovator and hear his thoughts on the future of Facebook, and other social networks.

Under the Orange Blossom Tree

Chris Young did not disappoint as he weaved tales of the Presidential campaign and his beginnings at Facebook together to give the audience members a profound understanding of the birth of Facebook and it’s impact on the way we interact as business leaders and world citizens.

ChristopherKilday

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